Self-affirmation promotes physical activity

Abstract

The present study tests whether a self-affirmation intervention (i.e., requiring an individual to focus on a valued aspect of their self-concept, such as honesty) can increase physical activity and change theory of planned behavior (TPB) variables linked to physical activity. Eighty young people completed a longitudinal intervention study. Baseline physical activity was assessed using the Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPAQ). Next, participants were randomly allocated to either a self-affirmation or a nonaffirmation condition. Participants then read information about physical activity and health, and completed measures of TPB variables. One week later, participants again completed LTPAQ and TPB items. At follow up, self-affirmed participants reported significantly more physical activity, more positive attitudes toward physical activity, and higher intentions to be physically active compared with nonaffirmed participants. Neither attitudes nor intentions mediated the effects of self-affirmation on physical activity. Self-affirmation can increase levels of physical activity and TPB variables. Self-affirmation interventions have the potential to become relatively simple methods for increasing physical activity levels. © 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2013-0041
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences
College of Health & Life Sciences > Chronic and Communicable Conditions
College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Psychology
Additional Information: © Human Kinetics. Version as accepted for publication
Uncontrolled Keywords: attitude,health behavior,intention,physical activity,self-affirmation,Applied Psychology,Medicine(all)
Publication ISSN: 1543-2904
Last Modified: 08 Feb 2024 08:18
Date Deposited: 24 Apr 2014 15:30
Full Text Link: http://journals ... ysical-activity
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2014-04
Authors: Cooke, Richard (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-0476-6284)
Trebaczyk, Helena
Harris, Peter
Wright, Alison J.

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